Narrowed it down to 3 - but which one?

dirkpitt74

I think I've narrowed the search for a new steed down to 3 bikes:

VITUS Escarpe ( REVIEW )

Canyon Nerve AL7.0 ( REVIEW )

BIRD Aeris 3

All are around the £1500 mark which is my max budget (crept up from £1200.....).

Struggling with the pros & cons of each though.

The Bird is the only one I can physically test ride, I can probably ask around locally to see if I can have a blast on a Vitus or Canyon.

Anyone have experience with the X-Fusion forks & shock of the Bird?

Thanks

poah

probably the bird I'd choose

rockmonkeysc

For me the Bird would be first choice, the Vitus last choice.
To be honest though I would probably buy a Giant Trance instead just because of the excellent frame.

dirkpitt74

Why would you put the Vitus last?
Not a huge fan of the Giant tbh - just don't like the look of it.

poah

spec on the vitus is a bit shit compared to the canyon but the vitus is a lot cheaper - I'd rather have the manitou/RS suspension than the fox stuff on the canyon. you could spend the difference on putting better components on the vitus though.

Beardface

I've got the Canyon and it's an outstanding bike, especially considering the spec you get for the price. The Fox fork and shock are surprisingly good for the entry level models too.

That said, the Bird Aeris is a great looking machine, and I'm very keen to demo one asap. You get local service and help fund the UK cycling industry.

If you're down this way testing a Bird at any stage, you're welcome to try my Canyon out for size over Swinley (depending on your size.. I'm 6ft, ride a Large).

felix.london

If I was in the UK I'd prob go for the Bird but as I'm in the Alps I'd have to look at the Radon Slide at this sort of price (in fact it's cheaper than the Canyon)

http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-slide-26-le-238526/wg_id-26

that's less than £1,200 for a 150mm travel bike...great entry point for any would-be Enduro racers out there

The Rookie

POAH wrote:

spec on the vitus is a bit shoot compared to the canyon but the vitus is a lot cheaper - I'd rather have the manitou/RS suspension than the fox stuff on the canyon. you could spend the difference on putting better components on the vitus though.

The Vitus got 4.5 stars at £1500, now it's even cheaper, also if it got those ratings on those components, then it should be better still with better ones if upgraded using the saving.

dirkpitt74

Reading the reviews the wheel set on the Vitus may be a bit on the weighty side, but I don't think the other components are bad at all for the price.

The Bird looks great and the reviews are pretty positive - big bonus of being British, just not sure about the X-Fusion bouncey bits.....

Canyon looks to be the lightest of the 3....

Radon not too bad, but is 3x and 26" -although the bonus is I have a nice pair of Mavic Crossrides that may be slightly lighter than the Sunringle ones fitted....

**My head hurts!!!!**

felix.london

DirkPitt74 wrote:

**My head hurts!!!!**

DirkPitt74 wrote:

Radon not too bad, but is 3x and 26"

I'd take the 34mm forks with the 26" wheels (and the increased travel) any day but like I say, probably more due to where and what I ride

poah

DirkPitt74 wrote:

Radon not too bad, but is 3x and 26" -although the bonus is I have a nice pair of Mavic Crossrides that may be slightly lighter than the Sunringle ones fitted....

**My head hurts!!!!**

why does 3x and 26 get a but?

rockmonkeysc

DirkPitt74 wrote:

Reading the reviews the wheel set on the Vitus may be a bit on the weighty side, but I don't think the other components are bad at all for the price.

The Bird looks great and the reviews are pretty positive - big bonus of being British, just not sure about the X-Fusion bouncey bits.....

Canyon looks to be the lightest of the 3....

Radon not too bad, but is 3x and 26" -although the bonus is I have a nice pair of Mavic Crossrides that may be slightly lighter than the Sunringle ones fitted....

**My head hurts!!!!**

X Fusion suspension is right up there with Fox and Rockshox, it's really good kit.

benpinnick

The 02 RCX shock is probably my favourite of all the shock options (despite the fact its the cheapest). It offers a very effective 4 position LSC setting, and is well controlled throughout the stroke, with just the right amount of progression for the frame. The Sweep is an excellent, and so far very reliable (we've sold lots) fork, with only 1 warranty to date. Its not _as_ good as a pike I'll admit, but its lighter & easy to live with, and has long service intervals.

dirkpitt74

Thanks for the info Ben.